MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian press not fond of CFK and criticizes her populism and use of icons

Folha de Sao Paulo accused the Argentine president of using historical figures such as Peron and Evita

Brazilian media toughened up its opinion about President Cristina Fernandez ahead of the general elections on Sunday. Several news vehicles have run stories on CFK use of alleged populism and of political icons such as Juan Domingo Péron and Eva Perón and the Peronism to draw in more votes.

Newspapers have also accused her of using the state media for her campaign and manipulating the poor and the young for her benefit, very similar to the accusations former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva endured during his two terms as the countries’ chief of state.

A column entitled “Manipulating Perón” inside one of Brazil's top newspaper 'Folha de Sao Paulo' accused the Argentine President of using historical figures such us Evita and Peron for self promotion.

“She (CFK) is looking to print her name in history as an icon loved by its people. To achieve that she is emulating the most popular symbols of the country: Juan Domingo Perón and his wife of mythological proportions, Eva Peron.”

The newspaper also charged her of taking advantage of the newly released Argentine movie “Juan y Eva”, which explores the couple's relationship before Peron's presidency. The criticism is part of an overall critique of the national and international press' use of public media for campaigning.

Brazilian media also lashed out at Cristina for using sentimentalism, and affirmed she was using her widowhood to her advantage. “Her dead husband is her best electoral asset,” said an article today in the Brazilian most read magazine 'Veja'.

Another article at 'Globo' newspaper stated CFK relies on working-class votes, quoting the neighbourhood of Matanza, in the Buenos Aires province as an example of the president’s appeal to the poor.

“Matanza has become an illustration of what happens in other neighbourhoods of the region, over 65% of the population voted for CFK in the last primaries,” the newspaper stated.

CFK like Lula da Silva is criticized for relying on social programs to assure votes. “Social programs eat up over 36 billion dollars a year (..). Since the Kirchners stepped into power, retirement benefits have increased over 361%.”

On Monday a piece of news published on the popular website G1, said the Argentine President draws in a lot of support from youngsters, another side effect of inheriting her husband’s electorate. “They are the perks of Youth K,” the website stated.

The Brazilian press also pointed out the lack of competition and strong candidates for the presidency as one of the facts making Cristina Fernández the favourite to win in next Sunday elections, which Veja observed in another article.

“At the Argentine electoral dispute Cristina Fernández de Kirchner sees no one ahead of her as she enjoys over 50% of vote intentions,” stated the magazine. Fragmented opposition and weak candidates are seen to be the reasons for CFK probable reelection, according to the magazine.

Popular Brazilian website IG also remarked today on the fact that Cristina Fernandez with a very professional cabinet “masters social media, giving her an advantage over her opposition”.